Lee Soo Man, the former chief producer of SM Entertainment, has given 50 million KRW (~36,149.90 USD) to the family of the late singer Kim Min Ki. According to The Fact, Lee Soo Man visited the funeral hall on July 24, the day of the late singer's funeral, and donated the money as condolence.
The late Kim Min Ki is remembered as a hugely influential figure in Korean pop music and performance arts. He founded the legendary Hakchon Theater, which help launched the careers of many famous actors. Additionally, he produced music for numerous iconic artists.
Although Kim Min Ki's family had requested no condolence money or flowers, Lee Soo Man expressed his wish for the money to be used to provide meals for the many visitors who came to mourn. Kim Sung Min, the former general affairs manager of Hakchon, a small theater previously run by the deceased, explained that while the late Kim Min Ki did not explicitly refuse condolence money, he often encouraged people to share meals, reflecting his generous nature. Following this spirit, Lee Soo Man donated to cover the cost of meals for the mourners.
Lee Soo Man, who was a junior of Kim Min Ki at Seoul National University, had a long-standing relationship with the legendary singer, including participating in club activities together during their school days. Both began their singing careers around the same time, with Kim Min Ki debuting in 1970 with "Morning Dew" and Lee Soo Man debuting two years later as a member of "April and May."
Lee Soo Man had previously donated over 100 million KRW (~72,290.41 USD) when Hakchon, the small theater operated by the late Kim, was facing financial difficulties. This donation helped resolve the theater's financial issues.
Lee Soo Man has often described Kim Min Ki as a "pure and gentle poet who quietly took responsibility when necessary" and as someone who laid the foundation for many Korean singers. He expressed deep respect for Kim Min Ki, describing him as a highly respected figure.
At the funeral, Lee Soo Man paid his respects, saying, "In a time of hardship and growth, Kim Min Ki instilled a youthful spirit in Korea through music. I deeply respect him and wish him peace."
Kim Min Ki passed away on July 21 after his stomach cancer worsened. His funeral took place on the morning of July 24. On the way to the burial site at Cheonan Park Cemetery, they stopped at the newly opened "Arko Dream Field Theater," located where the old Hakchon Theater stood, to bid farewell to friends and colleagues associated with the theater. The courtyard of this theater features memorials for the late singer Kim Kwang Seok and the iconic performance "Subway Line 1," which were special to Kim Min Ki.
Many actors and celebrities who had connections with Hakchon, known as the "Hakchon Eagle Five," including Jang Hyun Sung, Seol Kyung Gu, and Hwang Jung Min, as well as others like Park Hak Gi, Park Seung Hwa of Yurisangja, Bang Eun Jin, Kim Dae Myung, and Bae Sung Woo, attended the farewell. As the bereaved family carried Kim Min Ki's portrait to the theater entrance, many in attendance were moved to tears, especially Jang Hyun Sung and Seol Kyung Gu, who were visibly emotional.
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